Sylvester Stallone is currently busy finishing up work on Rambo IV, and may even end up doing a Rambo V, but the Sly project I’m most interested in is the one he’s doing after Rambo, a film about tortured poet Edgar Allan Poe. The movie’s traveled a rocky road to get going, but it’s starting to look like Poe will actually get made. If the film finally does happen, we may know who Stallone is casting as his Edgar Allan.
Tonight we got a fittingly strange email (Poe and weird just go together), which appears to be from one of our regular scoopers. This is a guy who’s given us at least somewhat reliable information before, so this could actually be something. Or, it could be just another Stallone related hoax, like the Stallone for Shutter Island rumor some fell for earlier this week. So read on, and take this for what it is: unconfirmed rumor.
Our source says, “Stallone has recently met with Viggo Mortensen and has offered him the role of Edgar Allan Poe in the film. Mortensen is consdiering the role although he wants some slight revisions in the script.” Yep, Viggo Mortensen could end up doing drugs and quothing the Raven for Sly. How cool is that notion?
At one point Robert Downey Jr. was rumored to be up for this part, but that was so long ago he’s almost certainly moved on by now. Viggo Mortensen is currently shooting a movie called Appaloosa for Ed Harris, but after that he may be free to squeeze something like Poe in. Of course with the strike on, who knows when they’ll be able to start filming Poe anyway, so scheduling wouldn’t be a problem. And if what our source says is true, then it sounds like he’s not only been offered it, but he’s at least a little interested in it.
As I write this it’s a little after midnight, which means there’s no chance of getting any confirmation until morning, and even then odds are slim I’ll be able to reach anyone. Isn’t everyone in Hollywood either at home or standing in the street striking? We’ll give it our best shot though, and let you know as soon as we’re able to get some sort of official word on the validity of this rumor.
Personally, I’d love to see Viggo try something like this. He’s done some amazing work since Lord of the Rings, but almost all of it has played in some way on his action hero persona. This would be a chance for him to toss out all the muscle-bound action junk and simply act.
UPDATE!We've been able to get a little more information from our source this morning, and a lot of what he's saying checks out. This is starting to look credible. Additionally, our source has also told us that if Viggo doesn't take the part, Clifton Collins Jr. (recently cast in Star Trek) and John Hawkes are being considered as backup options for the role.
Comment on “Scoop: Viggo Mortensen Is Edgar Allan Poe”
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Viggo has been confirmed to be starting "The Road" in February, 2008, but this sound's like something he'd like AND be perfect for! I agree, it would be nice for him mix things up a bit with a role like this!
I have just learned that another production of the macabre story of Edgar Allan Poe is already filming in Vancouver.
My sources tell me that this film is half way through shooting, and preliminary edits have proven that it is not only beautifully filmed, but also well-acted. Furthermore, some very experienced and award worthy players are involved with the project. This should make for an interesting show-off come release time.
Personally, I'm rooting for the love-motivated Vancouver production to prevail!
While I'm sure Poe wasn't totally stick thin, Viggo isn't physically right to play Poe. Sly would be better off casting Brent Spiner (who's got way more talent anyway).
Viggo is not doing "POE". It's just a rumor that won't end.
Brent Spiner is more talented than Mortensen? Wow, that's an interesting comment. Have you seen Mortensen act? I've seen Spiner act and he's *cough* ok..I guess. He's a little bland, really. Mortensen is fantastic.
I'm really looking forward to see Viggo as Poe. It has always been a treat to watch him get into the skin of the character and like always, Viggo is gonna make this one interesting too.
Perhaps the role should go to a British man. Poe was a Southern (Virginia raised) gentleman and Southern manners of those days (if not also today) were along the lines of a proper British gentleman.
Poe attended West Point, so proper posture would be nice, (regal bearing even in rags) and a beautiful voice. Everyone who heard Poe read his work aloud said his voice was amazing, unforgettable even. He was the son of actors, later adopted by a businessman and his wife.
I've been waiting for Sylvester Stallone to do this project, forever. It's always been his pet project. Go for it, Mr. S. Please. The world needs to know what it lost in Poe.
Just saw Viggo at Bay City Subs in Santa Monica, CA. He looked very gaunt and I must say - like death warmed over. I thought he was a homeless person at first. He bought about $100 worth of coffee, chocolate and gummi bears - almost like he's trying to kick a habit (heroin). Something was definitely amiss.
Hmm... well, I hope that the Poe character in this movie isn't shown doing drugs, as this article suggests. As Poe scholars today know, there is no proof that Poe was a drug user... it'd be nice to see the rumor die out.
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November 14th, 2007 at 13:09
Viggo has been confirmed to be starting "The Road" in February, 2008, but this sound's like something he'd like AND be perfect for! I agree, it would be nice for him mix things up a bit with a role like this!